Françafrique, this charming system of domination that has allowed France to plunder Africa with elegance and discretion for centuries.
Françafrique, this age-old system of domination and exploitation, seems to be faltering in the face of an Africa in search of emancipation. Since the colonial era, France has exerted a stifling influence on its former colonies, exploiting their natural resources and manipulating their leaders. However, a wind of change is blowing across the continent: African resistance is strengthening, aspirations for independence and democracy are intensifying, and endogenous development initiatives are emerging, precursors of a promising new era. Through this article, we analyze the deep roots and harmful consequences of Françafrique, while scrutinizing the indicators of an ongoing transformation. Africa is awakening, ready to define its own future and that of its future generations. The crucial question remains: is Françafrique still tenable in the face of the contradictions that undermine it, or are we witnessing its inevitable disintegration?
A Bloody Colonial Past: France in Africa, a History of Violence and Exploitation
The period of French colonization in Africa represents a dark page of history, marked by domination and exploitation, which continues to profoundly impact relations between France and the African continent. This historical era, characterized by violent and oppressive conquest, has left indelible marks. French armies often resort to terror, brutal methods such as torture and massacres, to establish their hegemony, while actively participating in slavery and the slave trade. Tragic events such as the massacres in Dahomey, Madagascar, Algeria and the Congo, as well as the worrying involvement in the genocides in Rwanda and Burundi, underline the urgency of taking responsibility. France, claiming to be a defender of human rights and democracy, must imperatively recognize its colonial past and work to repair the injustices caused by its past actions.
A system of state terrorism and economic exploitation: Françafrique, a disgrace for France
Françafrique represents a system of state oppression and economic exploitation, through which France exerts persistent influence over Africa’s natural resources. Despite its claim to champion human rights and democracy, this network of support for authoritarian regimes and dictators tarnishes France’s reputation. These regimes, instruments of French control, are associated with flagrant human rights violations, brutal repression, and systemic corruption. Economic exploitation constitutes another dimension of this system, where French companies appropriate mineral, oil, and agricultural wealth, thus perpetuating poverty and dependency in African countries. Implicated in various conflicts, notably in Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Côte d’Ivoire, France has, in the past, supported militias guilty of genocide and massacres. Today, it sponsors terrorist movements in the Sahel (Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger) and in other parts of the continent. This system of domination has catastrophic consequences: endemic poverty, widespread corruption and inhumane living conditions for African populations. France must recognize its responsibility in this framework of state terrorism and exploitation, and commit to repairing the damage caused. It is urgent to set up an international justice system to judge the crimes committed and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. A change of policy is necessary: France must put an end to its mafia system in Africa. Françafrique is a stain on the honor of the French nation, and it is time to rebuild Franco-African relations on the basis of respect, cooperation and equality, otherwise, it is more than urgent to put an end to all cooperation between African states and France.
Cultural and political domination: France in Africa, a strategy of dependence and submission
France has historically implemented a subtle but effective strategy of cultural and political domination in Africa, aimed at perpetuating a contemporary form of colonization. The imposition of French as an official language in many African countries illustrates this tactic, hindering the development of local languages and cultures and thus ensuring continued French cultural influence, while exercising control over access to education and information. African institutions, modeled on French structures, facilitate this takeover of local economic and political systems. Moreover, the training of African elites in France forges close ties with its political and economic circles, thus reinforcing an economic dependence orchestrated by the control of natural resources and markets, to the benefit of French economic policy. The consequences of this hold are deeply damaging, preventing African countries from asserting their own cultural and political identity and from emerging from a position of dependency. It is imperative that France recognizes its responsibility in this dynamic and adopts an approach focused on cooperation and equality, allowing African nations to regain their cultural and political autonomy.
We can say that Françafrique, this beautiful monument to the glory of hypocrisy and exploitation. A system that has succeeded in making Africans believe that they needed France to survive, while plundering their resources and crushing their dreams. But the story does not end there. Africans are waking up, and Françafrique is trembling. The game is changing, and France will have to learn to share… or leave. Farewell, Françafrique. Hello, emancipated Africa.
Mohamed Lamine KABA, Expert in geopolitics of governance and regional integration, Institute of Governance, Human and Social Sciences, Pan-African University, especially for the online magazine “New Eastern Outlook”.
